Luisa Capetillo (1879-1922) was a prominent Puerto Rican labor leader, feminist, and suffragist. Born on

October 28, 1879, in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, Luisa Capetillo grew up in a working-class family. She received limited formal education but developed a strong passion for reading and learning. Capetillo worked as a tobacco worker and later became a prominent labor organizer, fighting for better working conditions and

fair treatment of workers.

Capetillo is known for challenging traditional gender norms and advocating for women’s rights in Puerto

Rico. She wrote numerous essays and articles addressing issues such as women’s suffrage, gender equality, and the right to work. In 1912, she became the first woman in Puerto Rico to wear trousers

publicly, sparking controversy and challenging societal expectations.

Luisa Capetillo was also involved in the suffrage movement and was a vocal supporter of women’s right

to vote. She traveled to the United States, where she participated in suffrage rallies and became inspired

by the feminist movement there. Capetillo returned to Puerto Rico and continued to advocate for women’s right.

Yes, Luisa Capetillo was indeed arrested for

wearing pants in Puerto Rico. In 1915, she was detained by the police for violating the island’s law that prohibited women from wearing men’s clothing. At the time,

it was considered a social norm for women to wear skirts or dresses, and wearing pants was seen as unconventional and unacceptable.

Capetillo’s decision to wear trousers publicly was a deliberate act of defiance and a statement against

gender norms and expectations. Her arrest generated significant attention and sparked discussions

about gender roles and women’s rights in Puerto Rico. While her arrest was a setback, it also brought

attention to the issue and helped fuel the growing feminist movement on the island.

Despite the arrest and the challenges she faced, Capetillo remained committed to her activism and continued advocating for women’s rights and workers’ rights throughout her life. Her bold actions and

unwavering dedication made her a significant figure in the history of feminism and social justice in

Puerto Rico.